Going Up

Dozens of new products debuted last week at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, including a jewel-encrusted dishwasher and entry-door locks that recognize your fingerprints. But none is generating more buzz than Gaggenau's BL 253 Lift Oven.

The stylish German import is 24 inches wide and mounts to the wall; the bottom drops down so food can be easily loaded into it before it's raised into the cooking cavity. Simple up and down buttons operate a ceramic base, lowering it directly from the oven (a sensor makes sure it stops before reaching countertop objects). The base holds up to 24 pounds.

The unit has a sleek, stainless steel–tinted glass front and several interior racks, and it cooks using 11 heating methods, including convection. When you lower it to check on dinner, you don't have the energy loss you would with a conventional oven because the heat rises back into the cavity. The makers expect the space-saving appliance to be used as a secondary oven in places such as pool houses, bonus rooms, and in-law suites. It will be available in July and will retail for about $3,000. —Brick Chick

Dozens of new products debuted last week at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, including a jewel-encrusted dishwasher and entry-door locks that recognize your fingerprints. But none is generating more buzz than Gaggenau's BL 253 Lift Oven.

The stylish German import is 24 inches wide and mounts to the wall; the bottom drops down so food can be easily loaded into it before it's raised into the cooking cavity. Simple up and down buttons operate a ceramic base, lowering it directly from the oven (a sensor makes sure it stops before reaching countertop objects). The base holds up to 24 pounds.

The unit has a sleek, stainless steel–tinted glass front and several interior racks, and it cooks using 11 heating methods, including convection. When you lower it to check on dinner, you don't have the energy loss you would with a conventional oven because the heat rises back into the cavity. The makers expect the space-saving appliance to be used as a secondary oven in places such as pool houses, bonus rooms, and in-law suites. It will be available in July and will retail for about $3,000. —Brick Chick